Details.
Injection of anesthetic into the lower back to relieve cancer-related pain that does not respond to oral or IV medications. The procedure includes antiseptic cleansing, local anesthetic to numb the injection site, placement of a needle into the epidural space, and slow injection of an anesthetic mixture. A catheter may be used if needed. The pain-numbing sensation typically begins within twenty minutes, and the numbed region depends on the injection location and amount of anesthesia used.